Welcome to Altamont, Illinois! We are your typical small Midwestern town. You can find us half-way between St. Louis and Terre Haute, just off Interstate 70. Hope this site will encourage you to stop and visit if you've never been here, and if you have, I hope I renew some good memories!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Blossom Paradise is located on Main Street, just south of the Triangle. Owners David and Ruth Smith offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants, cut flowers and custom-made arrangements. They also own the Tropical Sno that sits next to the flower shop, which is open during summer afternoons.

Owned for the last 4 years by Chris (Mey) Cripe, On the Rox is located two miles east of Altamont on Rt. 40 (next to Gregory's Flea Market). She offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with free music on Saturday nights after 9 pm. There is also a beer garden out back.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Dairy Bar has been a fixture in Altamont for a long time. It is now called Schultz's Dairy Bar and Pizza and has been owned by Deb and Al Schultz since 1988. Along with the usual Dairy Bar fare, they offer sandwiches, plate specials and pizza. They have steak dinners on weekends. Dine-in or carry-out is available. Deb's Catering is also a part of the present business.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Luke's can be found on Adams St. facing the railroad track. The bar has been owned by Travis Voelker since 2000. The business was previously know as Stone's, and Hodson's before that. Travis has remodeled the bar and kitchen and added a banquet room to the back that has a second bar and a stage for DJs or live bands. They offer a full menu with daily lunch specials.

You can probably find anything at the Flea Market! Although "officially" open April 1 through October 31, the vendors usually stay open as long as the weather allows! Located just east of Altamont on Rt. 40 at the former "Goersville" area. Open on Satudays and Sundays.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

The Altamont Pharmacy is found on 3rd St. in the former Three Sons store. The business has been owned by Doug Phillips since 1986. In addition to carrying pharmaceuticals, they also offer cards, giftables and candy. They are open Monday through Saturday and offer delivery for those who need it.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A trip to Altamont has to include a visit to Alwerdt's Gardens, located one mile south of I 70, then 1/8th mile east (on what used to be known as the Springs Road). There is over 5 acres of sales area, with 4-plus acres of Display Gardens. The gardens were established in 1988 by Nik and Lisa Alwerdt. They also have a very successful landscaping business.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Altamont's fast food resturants can be found just north off the Interstate. Subway is located where Stuckey's Pecan Shop used to be, partnered with Jumpin Jimmy's gas station. Across the parking lot is McDonald's which opened Sept. 5, 1991.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Et Vas Alt (kind of old) Antiques and Collectables can be found in the building where Roy Feldkamp had his shop for many years. The store has been owned and operated by Bob and Karen Roedl for the last 7 years. It is joined to Main Street Antiques and Collectables, owned by Terry and Cristy White. Hours are Mon-Sat, 10 am to 5 pm.

Monday, May 17, 2010

The Municipal Building is a multi-use building. In the front of the building is the City Office and the mayor's office. There is now a conference room where City Council meetings are held in the room where the library used to be located . The City Police Department is in the center of the building. The back room has a kitchen and is used as the Senior Center and can also be rented for parties and meetings.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

The First Presbyterian Church was formed in 1908 and the Church building was constructed in 1912. Because of falling attendance the congregation disbanded in 1994. A group bought the building and organized the Altamont Living Museum, Ltd. After some remodeling the building is now used to stage plays and for concerts. Bluegrass shows are held almost every Tuesday.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Altamont Lumber can be found on the corner of Adams and 3rd St. It was purchased by Charles Blomberg of Farina 25 years ago. Howard Voelker managed the store until he retired and his son Andy then took over. The business was previously owned by the Devores.

Friday, May 14, 2010

The first picture shows the "old" part of the High School. This section houses the gym, the cafeteria, the Principle's Office, the Library and computer room, along with class rooms. The "new" part of the school was added in 1970 and was used for the Kindergarten, First and Second grades, up until the grade school opened in 1976. It was then used for high school classes and the Superintendent's offices.

Recently, the new section started sinking and had to be torn down and rebuilt. More class rooms and a new Superintendent's office was built.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Ballard Nature Center is located 2 miles east of Altamont on Rt. 40. It is 210 acres of hiking trails and nature walks. There is a visitor center, kids' fishing pond and pavilions for picnics. Please check out their web-site for more information, because there is just too much to share here!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Joe's Pizza and Pasta can be found on 3rd St., next to Lock, Stock and Barrel. In business for almost 4 years, Joe's offers delivery, carry-out and dine-in service. They offer lunch specials every day and on Thursday nights they have an all you can eat spaghetti special. Joe's Pizza and Pasta is owned by Joey and Manny Trupiano and Chris Sanders.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Frog Pond Nursery School was built in 1983 by Dr. Huelskoetter because of the fond memories of the one-room school he attended North of Altamont, called Frog Pond. The school is owned and run by Kathy Corder and Vera Schroeder. The building was donated by the Doctor and his wife in 1990 to the Lutheran Interparish School.

"Norie's Yard", once the home of Norie Eberhard, was also donated at the time to the city, who maintain the tennis court and lawn.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Altamont Lock, Stock & Barrel, owned by Scott Cutler, can be found at 110 N. 3rd St. and has been in business since August of 2001. "Buy, sell & trade": scopes, ammo, rifles, shotguns and pistols. Also offered is hunting licenses and on-line auctions.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Gilbert Park is the home of Altamont's baseball diamonds. There are 4 diamonds, a concession stand, and large playground. Altamont hosts several large tournaments each summer. There are also pavilions and a second playground--a great place for picnics and reunions.

Ballard Nature Center Events

Links To Stuff

Schuetzenfest

Altamont Indians

And What About Effingham?

Altamont doesn't have a large selection of Motels and Eateries, but we are only 10 miles West of Effingham, which is ideally situated on the Interstates 70 and 57 and Highway 40 crossroads. With 18 hotels and over 60 restaurants, Effingham provides the very best service and hospitality. For more info, check out the official Effingham website; http://www.visiteffinghamil.com/

Followers

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Do you have a Business or an upcoming Event in Altamont that you would like me to list here? Just e-mail me at avonconnection@mchsi.com and put "Life In Altamont" in the Subject line!